City of Villains, a standalone expansion to City of Heroes, is Cryptic Studios' second title. CoV has since been merged into City of Heroes and still operates today under NCsoft and Paragon.

Ever wanted to be the bad guy? Now you can realize your villainous dreams and take over the world. City of Villains offers players the chance to see life from the other side. Play a megalomaniacal Mastermind with plans of world domination, or an enforcing Brute who gets stronger the longer he's in combat. The choice is yours as you work your way through the ranks of the Arachnos organization under the guidance of Lord Recluse himself.